pdf , English, Pages 519

Acta Clin Croat 2010; 49:519-523
Original Scientific Papers
CORRECTIVE DERMATOLOGY TODAY
Jasna Lipozenčić and Zrinka Bukvić-Mokos
University Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of
Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
SUMMARY – The field of corrective dermatology has gained remarkable development in the
past two decades. New heights in techniques and the growing interest in rejuvenation procedures
have resulted in an increase in the number of corrective procedures all over the world. Here we present the most frequently performed corrective procedures in dermatology today: lasers, intense pulsed light, fillers, botulinum toxin, chemical peeling, radiofrequency, and dermabrasion. Currently,
the most preferable procedures are those with early visible results, short ‘down-time’ and minimal
risk of unwanted effects. Therefore, ablative resurfacing has been mostly replaced by nonablative and
fractional resurfacing, while fillers and botulinum toxin have been ever more employed. The best
cosmetic results can be achieved with combination of different corrective procedures.
Key words: corrective dermatology, lasers, fillers, botulinum toxin, chemical peeling
Introduction
For decades now, we are witnessing a great increase
in the number of individuals who visit dermatologists
hoping to reverse the signs of aging. The acquisition
of new scientific concepts has been paralleled by novel
scientific developments resulting in new therapeutic
methods in corrective dermatology. A variety of antiaging products and medical interventions have been
developed to improve the individual’s appearance.
During the 1997-2007 period, the American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has noticed
a 448% increase in corrective procedures, including
a 747% increase in non-surgical and 98% increase in
surgical procedures.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion was one of the first therapeutic procedures in corrective dermatology. The skin is abraded
to papillary layer of the dermis by use of a metal, diaCorrespondence to: Prof. Jasna Lipozenčić, MD, PhD, University
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zagreb University
Hospital Center, Šalata 4, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
E-mail: predstojnik.koz@kbc-zagreb.hr, jasna.lipozencic@zg.tcom.hr
Acta Clin Croat, Vol. 48, No. 3, 2009
mond or ruby grinder. After the procedure, remodeling of collagen fibers in the dermis has been noticed
by histologic examinations.
Dermabrasion was introduced by Kromayer, and
later developed by Schreus1. The procedure is usually performed to remove scars or reduce wrinkles.
Dermabrasion may be performed under general or local anesthesia, and the depth of abrasion depends on
the indication. Postoperatively, healing usually occurs
within seven to ten days. Patients are instructed to
avoid sunlight for three to six months after the procedure, and to use sunscreen on a regular basis when
outdoors. The possible complications include bacterial
and viral infections, milia, scars and pigmentation irregularities2.
Chemical Peeling
Chemical peeling is a method by which concentrated chemicals are applied to the skin to peel off the
dermis and epidermis. This results in regeneration of
the dermis and epidermis with synthesis of new collagenous and elastic fibers in the dermis. Chemical
peeling is performed to remove acne and/or acne scars,
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Jasna Lipozenčić, Zrinka Bukvić-Mokos
hyperpigmentation and signs of skin aging. According to the depth of peeling, chemical peel can be superficial, medium depth and deep, depending on the
chemical used, its concentration, and length of skin
exposure3. Superficial peel implies epidermal peel to
the dermoepidermal junction, mostly by use of alphahydroxy acids, Jessner’s solution and trichloroacetic
acid 10%-20%. The objective of treatment is to achieve
keratolytic effect with fibroblast stimulation, thus improving the skin texture, and reducing the number of
comedones and hyperpigmentation4. Medium depth
peel results in necrosis of the epidermis and part of
or entire papillary layer of the dermis. The procedure
is usually performed by use of tricholoroacetic acid at
a concentration of 35%. The indications for medium
depth peel include wrinkles, hyperpigmentation,
shallow scars and signs of solar skin degeneration.
Deep peel is used to remove deep scars. This procedure results in necrosis of the epidermis and the entire
papillary dermis, also involving the upper part of reticular dermis. Deep peel is a demanding procedure
that can only be carried out by experienced therapists
using high concentrations of tricholoroacetic acid 35%
or phenol solution (Baker-Gordon formula)3,5.
Good patient selection is essential in obtaining
clinical results. It is important to evaluate patient’s
expectations and to have the patient’s written consent
for the procedure. Ideal patient for chemical peeling is
a fair complexion person with Fitzpatrick skin types
I-II, while skin types IV-V are considered relative
contraindications for this procedure. The most common complications are pigmentary anomalies. Milia,
telangiectasias, prolonged erythema, infection, skin
atrophy, texture changes and scars are among other
possible complications. Postoperatively, proper skin
care and photoprotection are essential3,6.
Lasers
Nowadays, corrective dermatology is almost inconceivable without the use of laser, one of the recent methods of treatment that has been rapidly and
continuously developing over the past few decades.
The term laser is an acronym for “light amplification
by the stimulated emission of radiation”. Laser light
has unique properties that account for its therapeutic activity: monochromaticity (the emitted light is of
a single, discrete wavelength), coherence (laser light
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Corrective dermatology today
travels in phase with respect to both time and space)
and collimation (emission of a narrow, intense beam
of light in parallel fashion). Thus, laser light can be
focused into small spot sizes allowing for precise tissue destruction7.
The first laser was developed by Maiman in 1959,
using monochromatic 694 nm ruby light. In 1963,
dermatologist Dr Leon Goldman initiated ruby laser treatment for a variety of cutaneous pathologies.
Later, advances in laser technology have progressed
rapidly, resulting in development of new laser systems with better therapeutic results and low risk of
adverse effects8. Cutaneous laser surgery was revolutionized in 1983, when Anderson and Parish proposed the theory of selective photothermolysis. According to this theory, controlled destruction of target
lesion with minimal damage to the adjacent tissues
can be achieved under following conditions: first, the
emitted wavelength must be absorbed preferentially
by the intended target tissue or chromophore (molecules with unique absorption spectra, which are responsible for imparting color to substances); second,
the energies produced by laser systems should be high
enough to inflict thermal damage to the target; and
third, the time of tissue exposure to the laser must be
shorter than thermal relaxation time (defined as the
time required for the target site to cool to one half to
its peak temperature immediately after laser irradiation). Based on these principles, laser parameters can
be tailored to effect destruction of the tissue confined
to microscopic site of selective light absorption in the
skin, such as blood cells and pigmented cells, with
minimal collateral thermal damage9.
Vascular lesions that are most frequently observed
on aged skin include telangiectasias, cherry angiomas
and venous lakes. The most commonly used lasers in
treating these lesions include KTP (532 nm), Nd:YAG
(532 and 1064 nm) and pulsed-dye laser (585-595
nm)10.
Solar lentigines are the most common hypermelanotic lesions of photoaged skin. They occur from
age 30 onwards as benign hyperpigmented lesions on
chronically sun-exposed areas of the face, back of the
hands and extensor surfaces of the forearms. To obtain
selective photothermolysis of melanin, solar lentigines
must be treated with laser light having a wavelength
appropriate to absorption characteristics of melanin.
Acta Clin Croat, Vol. 49, No. 4, 2010
Jasna Lipozenčić, Zrinka Bukvić-Mokos
A variety of different laser systems that emit wavelengths of 500-1100 nm may be used to remove melanin from the skin: the Q-switched ruby (694 nm),
Q-switched alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd:YAG laser
(532 and 1064 nm)11.
Cutaneous laser resurfacing represents the major
advance in the treatment of severely pohotodamaged
facial skin, photoinduced facial rhytides, dyschromias,
and atrophic scars. Ablative laser resurfacing was introduced in the 1980s with continuous-wave CO2 lasers, but their use was limited because of delayed healing and scarring. High-energy, pulsed, and scanned
CO2 and Er:YAG lasers have been in widespread
use since the mid-1990s for ablative resurfacing. The
Er:YAG laser has a higher absorption coefficient in
water-containing tissue; because 90% of the epidermis
is composed of water, most of the energy of the erbium laser is superficially absorbed. The Er:YAG laser
yields photomechanical tissue effect, whereas photothermal tissue reaction is primarily effected by CO2
treatment. However, the prolonged recovery time and
a significant risk of postoperative hyper- and hypopigmentations, scars and other complications prompted
to development of nonablative and fractional resurfacing. Nonablative laser systems produce stimulation
of collagen production and remodeling while preserving epidermis. This results in little or no healing time
and less patient discomfort. The most commonly used
lasers for nonablative resurfacing include pulsed dye
laser (585-595 nm), Nd:YAG (1064 nm, 1320 nm), diode (1450 nm) and Er:glass (1540 nm) laser. Fractional resurfacing thermally ablates microscopic columns
of epidermal and dermal tissue in regularly spaced arrays over a fraction of skin surface. Each column is
approximately 70-150 microns in width and 400-700
microns in depth. Intervening areas of normal skin
are left untouched, which rapidly repopulate the ablated columns of the skin. This concept increases efficacy as compared to nonablative resurfacing but with
faster recovery as compared to ablative resurfacing. For
these reasons, fractional skin resurfacing is nowadays
the most popular method of laser rejuvenation12,13.
Proper patient selection for laser resurfacing is essential for obtaining successful procedure. Patients
should be evaluated for their skin type according to
the Fitzpatrick system; lower skin types (I-II) are at
a low risk to develop postinflammatory hyperpigmenActa Clin Croat, Vol. 49, No. 4, 2010
Corrective dermatology today
tation, whereas skin types IV-VI more often develop
dyschromia. Patients with a personal history of previous cosmetic surgery may be predisposed to more
fibrotic skin, while previous blepharoplasty increases
the risk of ectropion. Postoperative scarring usually
develops in patients with impaired wound healing
from an underlying collagen vascular disease, immunodeficiency, or history of isotretinoin use within
the past year. Special attention must be focused on
patients with a history of labial herpes, bacterial or
yeast infections, as medical prophylaxis is necessary in
such cases. The presence of hyperelastic skin can lead
to increased scaring, and the presence of hypertrophic
or keloidal scars should be given consideration. Absolute contraindications for laser resurfacing include
isotretinoin use within 1 year of the procedure, concurrent bacterial or viral infection and ectropion. Patients with unrealistic expectations should be discouraged. Relative contraindications for laser resurfacing
include a history of dyschromias, ongoing UV exposure, hyperelastic or keloidal skin, history of radiation
therapy, collagen vascular disease and prior cosmetic
surgery (chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser surgery,
and blepharoplasty). In order to minimize the risk
of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun avoidance is recommended during 2 to 3 months postoperatively, and the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens is
obligatory12,13.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense pulsed light technology was developed in
the early 1990s, initially for vascular lesions, then hair
removal and pigment lesions, and today it is one of
the standard procedures for photorejuvenation. Intense pulsed light emits the spectrum of wavelengths
(550-1200nm), therefore targeting both melanin and
hemoglobin, resulting in global improvement of dyspigmentation and vascularity. Intense pulsed light is
able to induce remodeling of collagen and elastic fiber,
without epidermal damage. The main advantage of
this method is short recovery time and minimal risk
of unwanted effects14.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency is one of nonablative methods of
rejuvenation, using devices that produce electrical energy that heats the dermis at relatively low tempera521
Jasna Lipozenčić, Zrinka Bukvić-Mokos
tures. The result is collagen shrinkage and skin tightening. New technologies combine radiofrequency and
infrared laser or IPL, with better therapeutic results.
The effects are visible after several treatment sessions.
The main advantages include minimal postoperative
erythema that resolves within few hours and lack of
significant risk of side effects15.
Skin Implants (Fillers)
Skin implants or fillers are various substances injected into the skin to fill in the wrinkles, atrophic
scars and skin defects, and for face remodeling (lips,
zygomatic region, chin and nose enlargement). Skin
implants are classified according to the process of degradation (biodegradable or non-biodegradable), origin
(natural or synthetic), organic or inorganic character,
and duration of effect (short-term, long-term or permanent). Biodegradable implants include collagen (human,
autologous, animal, stabilized ‘cross linked’ collagen),
hyaluronic acid (animal, ‘non-animal’, stabilized-’cross
linked’, non-stabilized) and hyaluronic acid in combination with other materials (dextran, lactic acid), and
lactic acid (L-polylactic acid). Non-biodegradable fillers include polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), acrylate
hydrogels, microspheres (60-90 microns) containing
hyaluronic acid and zirconium, polyacrylamides, alkylamides, methylsiloxanes, hydroxyapatite, and polytetrafluorethylene. An ideal implant should be safe and
of optimal duration, simple to apply with minimal discomfort, hypoallergenic and isovolemically degradable;
upon treatment, the face should have natural appearance, and the price of treatment should be acceptable.
After all, the ideal effect means stimulation of own
fibroblasts for the synthesis of own collagen. Unfortunately, none of the agents available meets all the conditions mentioned above16.
Hyaluronic acid, a biodegradable implant, is currently most widely used because of its excellent therapeutic results associated with a very low risk of side
effects. Therapeutic effect lasts for three months to
two years in case of biodegradable implants, whereas
non-biodegradable implants may last for years or even
indefinitely. However, the application of non-biodegradable agents may be associated with the development of foreign-body granulomas, pseudocysts and
abscesses17.
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Corrective dermatology today
Botulinum Toxin
In addition to popular fillers, the clients show increasing interest in the use of botulinum toxin to correct facial expression lines (around the eyes, between
the eyebrows and forehead). Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium
botulinum, which causes temporary paralysis of striated muscles. The main precondition for therapeutic
success is proper training and experience of the physician, who should have profound knowledge of the
treated area anatomy, be sure in choosing correct indication and agent dosage, and using appropriate injection technique18. Therapeutic result in terms of wrinkle reduction can be observed within a week of the
injection and lasts for several (4-12) months; the interval between two procedures should be at least three
months. Contraindications for this procedure include
known hypersensitivity to any substance of the product injected, systemic muscle disease (e.g., myasthenia
gravis), concomitant use of aminoglycoside antibiotics
and spectinomycin, infection at the site of injection,
blood coagulation diseases, pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse affects are rare and include paralysis of the
adjacent muscles, e.g., m. levator palpebrae, resulting
in ptosis of upper eyelid, which usually resolves in few
weeks19.
Current Trends: Combination of Different Corrective
Procedures
Recently, combinations of the methods listed above
have been ever more employed to obtain the best aesthetic results. For example, botulinum toxin and fillers are commonly combined with chemical peeling,
lasers and IPL.
Conclusion
Nowadays, the most popular corrective procedures are those with early visible results, minimal
down-time after the procedure, with minimal risk
of unwanted effects and complications (nonablative
and fractional resurfacing instead of ablative, fillers,
botulinum toxin, chemical peeling). Proper choice of
high quality treatments is the responsibility of dermatologist specialized in the field of corrective dermatology, especially in the light of the great number of
new therapeutic options offered by fast technological
Acta Clin Croat, Vol. 49, No. 4, 2010
Jasna Lipozenčić, Zrinka Bukvić-Mokos
Corrective dermatology today
advancement. Unfortunately, these demanding corrective treatments are ever more frequently performed
at non-medical institutions and by incompetent persons. Properly trained and experienced physician is
fully aware of the crucial role of appropriate assessment of the patient and his/her expectations. He will
explain to him/her the corrective procedure, the potential risks and the expected outcome. A predictable
lack of patient compliance with proper skin care after
the treatment and unrealistic expectations are considered absolute contraindications for any corrective
treatment.
References
1. FULTON JE Jr. Dermabrasion, chemabrasion, and laser
abrasion. Historical perspectives, modern dermabrasion techniques, and future trends. Dermatol Surg 1996;22:619-28.
2. GOLD MH. Dermabrasion in dermatology. Am J Clin Dermatol 2003;4:467-71.
3. WIEST L. Chemical peels in aesthetic dermatology. Hautarzt 2004;55:611-20.
4. KEMPIAK SJ, UEBELHOER N. Superficial chemical peels
and microdermabrasion for acne vulgaris. Semin Cutan Med
Surg 2008;27:212-20.
5. MONHEIT GD. Chemical peels. Skin Ther Lett 2004;9:611.
6. FULTON JE, PORUMB S. Chemical peels: their place
within the range of resurfacing techniques. Am J Clin Dermatol 2004;5:179-87.
7. ANDERSON RR, ROSS E. Laser-tissue interactions. In:
Fitzpatrick RE, Goldman MP, eds. Cosmetic laser
surgery. St. Louis: Mosby, 2000:1-30.
8. TANZI EL, LUPTON JR, ALSTER TS. Lasers in dermatology: four decades of progress. J Am Acad Dermatol
2003;49:1-31.
9. ANDERSON RR, PARRISH J. Selective photothermolysis:
precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science 1983;220:524-7.
10. STRATIGOS AJ, DOVER JS. Laser therapy for vascular
lesions. In: Ferguson J, Dover JS, eds. Photodermatology. London: Manson Publishing Ltd., 2006:141-5.
11. KILMER SL. Laser eradication of pigmented lesions and
tattoos. Dermatol Clin 2002;20:37-53.
12. DOVER JS, HRUZA GJ, ARNDT KA. Lasers in skin resurfacing. Semin Cutan Med Surg 2000;19:207-20.
13. ALEXIADES-ARMENAKAS MR, DOVER JS, ARNDT
KA. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: nonablative, fractional, and ablative laser resurfacing. J Am Acad Dermatol
2008;58:719-37.
14. BITTER P, CAMPBELL CA, GOLDMAN M. Nonablative skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light. Lasers Surg
Med 2000;12:16.
15. HSU TS, KAMINER MS. The use of nonablative radiofrequency technology to tighten the lower face and neck. Semin
Cutan Med Surg 2003;22:115-23.
16. WISE JB, GRECO T. Injectable treatments for the aging
face. Facial Plast Surg 2006;22:140-6.
17. BROWN LH, FRANK PJ. What’s new in fillers? J Drugs
Dermatol 2003;2:250-3.
18. CARRUTHERS A, CARRUTHERS JU. Cosmetic uses of
botulinum toxin. In: Coleman WP, Hanke CW, Alt
TH, Asken S, eds. Cosmetic surgery of the skin. St. Louis:
Mosby, 1997:231-5.
19. KLEIN AW. Complications, adverse reactions, and insights
with the use of botulinum toxin. Dermatol Surg 2003;29:54956.
Sažetak
KOREKTIVNA DERMATOLOGIJA DANAS
J. Lipozenčić i Z. Bukvić-Mokos
U posljednja dva desetljeća zabilježen je znatan razvoj u području korektivne dermatologije. Nova vrhunska postignuća
u tehnikama i sve veće zanimanje za postupke podmlađivanja doveli su porasta broja korektivnih zahvata širom svijeta. U
radu se prikazuju korektivni postupci koji se danas najčešće primjenjuju u dermatologiji, a to su laseri, intenzivno pulsno
svjetlo, fileri, botulinski toksin, kemijski piling, radiofrekvencija i dermabrazija. Danas se prednost daje onim zahvatima
kod kojih se razultati najbrže vide, koji imaju kratko vrijeme zastoja i minimalan rizik od neželjenih učinaka. Stoga je
ablativno “presvlačenje” (resurfacing) uglavnom zamijenjeno neablativnim i frakcijskim “presvlačenjem”, dok se fileri i botulinski toksin rabe sve više. Najbolji kozmetski rezultati postižu se kombinacijom različitih korektivnih postupaka.
Ključne riječi: korektivna dermatologija, laseri, fileri, botulinski toksin, kemijski piling
Acta Clin Croat, Vol. 49, No. 4, 2010
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